An argument is defined as “an attempt to persuade someone of something, by giving reasons or evidence for accepting a particular conclusion.” Bickering. Snide comments. “Shut up!” Arguing is simply human nature.
For many of us, arguing comes naturally. That doesn’t necessarily mean every single person is a great arguer, but it means that arguing is just something we do. Many times, if not all, that sudden urge to call out “No, you’re wrong!” stems from the fact that we are all uniquely different with different ideas. Arguing allows us to express our thoughts on different subjects. What I believe may be acceptable, you may find non-acceptable, and what better way to share our opinions on that issue than to argue.
It’s the simple truth that we all want to think, no, actually, know we’re right. There’s nothing more embarrassing than arguing that choice “A” is the right answer, when you soon discover that it’s really “B.” Thus, arguing also stems from the undeniable desire to prove that “I’m right, and that’s it.” And on those rare occasions, when we do find that we are actually wrong, we still continue to argue. Why is that, you ask?
That’s because we all have big egos. Who wants to admit they’re wrong? The conflicting views are what allow us to develop, for if we were all too nice to not argue with one another, where would we be today? It is because people argue and challenge each other's views that we have breakthroughs and new ways of thinking open up to us. In a world where we all got along and had the same opinion as everyone else, there would be no fun. Debating is half the fun of talking to your friend.
Getting feedback and trying to convince another person is fun. What are you supposed to say when someone says "You're right". The conversation derails from there. Arguing does include elements of persuasion. You want people to feel a certain way about your view and the beliefs you stand for. You want your argument to be effective. A writer of argument, for example, wants to provide clear and persuading examples that show that he or she is right. However, a small distinction is that an argumentative paper tries to persuade its audience to see the writer's point of view on the topic given the evidence presented, while a persuasive paper tries to convince the audience that the reader's point of view on the subject is right.
